“If you build it, they will come.” Not true—unless they can find you on Google.
Most pro installers rely on referrals and hustle to book their holiday lighting jobs—but what if new clients could find you first? That’s where SEO comes in.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) isn’t just a marketing buzzword. It’s your ticket to more bookings, more leads, and standing out in a crowded field. And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to start seeing results.
Table of Contents
- What Is SEO (In Plain English)?
- Why Should Installers Care About SEO?
- The 3 Most Important SEO Basics
- Quick Wins: Easy SEO Fixes for Your Website
- Long-Term Strategies to Stay on Top
- How Big Star Lights Helps You Look More Professional Online
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary
What Is SEO (In Plain English)?
Think of SEO as the digital version of putting up a colorful, well-placed yard sign—except instead of a street corner, your yard sign is placed on Google. But, since there are so many websites on the internet, how does Google decide which pages get the top spots?
Here’s the breakdown in practical terms:
Google’s goal is to give users the best results. So it uses a complex algorithm (basically a recipe with hundreds of ingredients) to evaluate every web page. There are three major categories of “ingredients” that influence your ranking:
1. Relevance
Google scans your content to see if it matches what someone searched. That means if your page mentions “holiday light installation in Winnipeg,” and someone types that into Google—you’re a match. This is where keywords come in.
2. Authority
Think of this like your online reputation. If other trustworthy websites link to you (called “backlinks”), and if your site gets talked about online, Google assumes you're legit.
3. User Experience
Does your website load quickly? Does it look good on phones? Can people find the info they need easily? If users visit your site and bounce right away, Google sees that as a red flag. A well-organized, fast site = better ranking.
💡 Pro Tip: Google constantly updates how it ranks sites, but it always favors clear, trustworthy, local information that solves what the user is looking for.
In short:
SEO = Making your website show up when potential clients search for your services.
Why Should Installers Care About SEO?
If you're not on Google’s first page, you're missing out—period.
Here’s why SEO matters:
- More leads, less chasing: Clients come to you.
- Build trust instantly: Showing up high in search results makes you look established.
- Edge out competitors: Especially the ones who only advertise on Facebook or Craigslist.
💡 Pro Tip: Most people never scroll past the first 5 results on Google. If your business isn’t there, you’re invisible.
3. The 3 Most Important SEO Basics
Here’s what every installer should focus on first:
1. Keywords
These are the exact phrases people type into Google (e.g., “holiday light installer Kelowna”). You want those words on your homepage, service pages, and even blog posts. That's why you'll find "Summer Lighting", "high-quality decorative lights", and more keywords all over Big Star Lights' website.
💡 Pro Tip: Choose long-tail keywords (holiday light installers in Kelowna) over short-tail keywords (holiday lights). Long-tail keywords are less competitive and are easier to rank on Google.
2. Google Business Profile
Set it up and keep it updated. Add photos of your installs, get customer reviews, and list your services. Remember: This helps with your website's authority.
3. Local Citations
Make sure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across Yelp, Yellow Pages, HomeStars, etc.
4. Quick Wins: Easy SEO Fixes for Your Website
You don’t need to rebuild your website to start ranking. Try these fast improvements:
-
Add your city and services to page titles.
Example: “Holiday Light Installer in Calgary | [Your Business Name]”
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Create a Services page for each offering.
Ex: “Roofline Lighting,” “Tree Wrapping,” “Patio String Light Installations”
-
Show off reviews and photos.
Google loves fresh content, and so do your clients.
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Make sure your site loads fast on mobile.
Many clients search from their phones. Slow sites = lost bookings.
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Add alt text to your website images.
Every image is an opportunity to plug more keywords into.
5. Long-Term Strategies to Stay on Top
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Start a Blog.
Write short posts like “Best Holiday Lighting Ideas for [Your City]” or “How to Choose the Right Patio Lights.” (This also helps boost your site with keywords.) -
Get Backlinks.
Ask suppliers like Big Star Lights to list you in their Pro Installer directory or link to your site from a case study. -
Use Schema Markup.
It’s a fancy term for coding that tells Google you’re a service business. Ask your web person to add it—it’s a small job with a big impact.
6. How Big Star Lights Helps You Look More Professional Online
SEO isn’t just about keywords—it’s about trust. That’s why using recognizable, pro-grade gear like Big Star Lights can boost how clients and search engines see you.
- Our installer tools make your job look sharp and consistent in every photo you post online.
- Our blog gives you expert content ideas to share with clients. Or you can repost on your own site (given you provide a source to our original post).
- Our Pro Installer perks include visibility opportunities. Ask about getting featured in a customer spotlight.
Want to get all of these perks and more?
👉 Join the BSL Community
Comparison Table: SEO Basics for Installers
| SEO Element | What It Is | Why It Matters | Easy First Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keywords | Search phrases clients use | Tells Google what you offer | Add “Christmas Light Installer [City]” to homepage |
| Google Business Profile | Free business listing on Google | Boosts local visibility | Claim and verify your listing |
| Backlinks | Links from other websites to yours | Builds authority in Google’s eyes | Ask Big Star Lights to link to you! Connect with us about a marketing partnership. |
| Website Speed | How fast your site loads | Impacts SEO and user experience | Use a fast, mobile-optimized theme. Make sure images aren't too large. |
Wrapping It Up: Your Next Step Toward More Jobs
You don’t need to be an SEO expert to book more jobs. You just need to take the first step. A few simple tweaks to your website and listings can pay off in more calls, faster bookings, and a steadier stream of clients next season.
And remember: You don’t have to do it alone. Big Star Lights is here to help you sell.
🔍 Want help? Contact us to see how we can feature your installs or support your SEO strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to hire an SEO agency?
A: Not at first. You can start with the basics—Google Business Profile, reviews, and clear website pages.
Q: How long does SEO take to work?
A: Expect to see results in 2–3 months for local SEO, especially if competition is low.
Q: Can I just use social media instead?
A: Social is great, but SEO brings in clients actively searching for your services.
Summary
- SEO helps you rank on Google and get found by new clients.
- Start with local SEO: Google Business, keywords, and reviews.
- Optimize your site with clear pages, fast load speed, and city names.
- Leverage Big Star Lights’ pro tools and resources to stand out.
- Over time, build content and backlinks to grow your online presence.